Heriz Rugs vs Tabriz Rugs

When researching Persian rugs, two names appear time and again: Heriz and Tabriz. Both originate from north-west Iran, both are highly respected, and both are frequently considered by buyers looking for high-quality handmade rugs. Yet despite their geographic proximity, Heriz rugs and Tabriz rugs differ significantly in design, structure, scale and use.

For many buyers, understanding these differences is the key to choosing the right rug for their space. This guide breaks down the essential distinctions between Heriz and Tabriz rugs, helping to remove common confusion and clarify which style best suits your interior, lifestyle and expectations.

Geographic Origins and Weaving Context

Both Heriz and Tabriz rugs are produced in the same broad region of Iran, but under very different weaving traditions.

• Tabriz rugs are woven in the city of Tabriz, historically a major centre of organised workshop weaving. These workshops allowed for highly controlled designs, fine detailing and consistent quality.
• Heriz rugs originate from the rural villages around Mount Sabalan. They are traditionally village-woven, resulting in a bolder, more robust aesthetic.

This difference in weaving environment plays a major role in how each rug looks and performs.

Design and Visual Style

One of the most immediate differences between Heriz and Tabriz rugs is their visual language.

Tabriz Rugs

• Curvilinear, flowing patterns
• Fine floral motifs and arabesques
• Often feature intricate central medallions
• Designs appear refined, balanced and detailed

Tabriz rugs suit interiors where elegance, symmetry and precision are priorities.

Heriz Rugs

• Bold, geometric patterns
• Angular medallions and strong outlines
• Simpler motifs with dramatic scale
• Designs feel powerful, architectural and graphic

Heriz rugs are often chosen for spaces that benefit from visual impact and structure.

Knotting Technique and Construction

The structural makeup of these rugs further differentiates them.

• Tabriz rugs typically use the Turkish (symmetrical) knot, allowing for high knot density and sharp pattern definition.
• Heriz rugs also use the Turkish knot, but are woven with thicker wool and a looser knot count, giving them a more rugged texture.

This makes Tabriz rugs visually intricate, while Heriz rugs prioritise strength and longevity.

Material Quality and Durability

Both rug types are known for quality, but in different ways.

• Heriz rugs are celebrated for their exceptional durability. The wool from the Mount Sabalan region is naturally high in lanolin, making it resilient and ideal for high-traffic areas.
• Tabriz rugs balance durability with refinement, often using finer wool and sometimes silk highlights for added definition.

As a result:

• Heriz rugs are often chosen for busy family homes, open-plan spaces and large rooms
• Tabriz rugs are frequently placed in formal sitting rooms, dining rooms or reception areas

Size, Scale and Room Suitability

Scale is a major factor when comparing Heriz rugs vs Tabriz rugs.

• Heriz rugs are particularly well known for being produced in large and oversized formats, making them ideal as statement carpets that anchor expansive rooms.
• Tabriz rugs are available in a wider range of sizes, from medium to large carpets, and are often selected where proportion and symmetry are key.

For buyers navigating size confusion, Heriz rugs often provide a clearer solution for very large spaces, while Tabriz rugs offer flexibility across more formal layouts.

Antique vs Contemporary Examples

Both Heriz and Tabriz rugs exist as antique and contemporary pieces.

• Antique Heriz rugs are highly collectible, prized for their softened colours and architectural designs.
• Antique Tabriz rugs are sought after for their refinement, detail and historical significance.

Contemporary versions of both styles continue to be woven today, retaining traditional designs while offering cleaner finishes suited to modern interiors.

Which Should You Choose?

Choosing between a Heriz rug and a Tabriz rug comes down to three key considerations:

• Aesthetic preference: bold and graphic vs refined and detailed
• Room usage: high-traffic practicality vs formal elegance
• Scale requirements: oversized anchoring vs balanced proportion

Neither is “better” – they simply serve different design and functional needs.

Viewing Heriz and Tabriz Rugs in Context

Because differences in scale, pattern and texture can be subtle in isolation, these rugs are best evaluated in real-world settings. Seeing how they sit beneath furniture, respond to light and interact with architecture makes the decision far clearer.

At London Persian Rug Company, we guide clients through these distinctions every day. To explore how different Persian rug styles perform across a variety of interiors, we recommend viewing our Look Book, which showcases real pieces in real spaces.

Final Thought

Understanding the key differences between Heriz rugs and Tabriz rugs removes much of the uncertainty from the buying process. While they share a regional heritage, their character, structure and visual impact are distinctly different – and choosing the right one can transform how a space feels and functions for years to come.